Chapter One – Unhappy Returns

Kendall POV

"You have to come back," My mother pleaded over the phone, "If not for me, then for your sister. It's been a whole year and you've hardly said to words to her. You've hardly spoken to anyone, including the Mitchells who were very kind in taking you in. You seem ungrateful. I don't like it."

"I've just been working really hard," I lied.

"No," my mother droned, "You've been pouting and feeling sorry for yourself. I understand it's, Kendall, but eventually you will have to face everyone. You can't run away and expect everything to just be fine."

"It's been going fine so far," I sneered. I knew that was going to earn me quite a lecture.

"Damn it," my mother exploded, "I have been quite understanding and lenient but no more! I've allowed you to act like a reckless brat for a whole year, now it's time for a little maturity. You're acting like you're the victim here, not James. God forbid, you should even ask how he's doing! FYI, it's gotten worse and what about Logan? Do you even care about him? He's trying to hold everyone together and I can tell it's beginning to be overwhelming for him. And poor Carlos left right after you, he was so upset. His mother called to tell us he is okay, after two weeks of not having a clue where he was. We were worried sick, but you didn't even bother to ask! I could possibly overlook that, but not giving a damn about your sister, I could smack the crap out of you for that!"

"I care about my sister," I yelled back, "I care about everyone. It's just hard for me!"

"Hard for you," my mother's temper had reached new heights, "Imagine what poor James is going through! Of course, you don't want to know. And you have yet to ask how Katie is holding up."

"You're right," I gave in, "How is Katie? Is she okay?"

"You know she's on a successful show now," My mother stated proudly, "It's nominated for an award and everything! You didn't know that. She has been hoping you would call so she could invite you to the ceremony, and I think it would be nice if you came and surprised her by showing up."

"It just doesn't feel like the right time," I sighed, "I'm sorry. Maybe in a few months."

"The Kendall I remember didn't used to be so selfish," my mother growled, "I know you went through a hard time last year but, damn it, I am your mother and I am ordering you to come back. Tonight."

"Fine," I whimpered, "I'll buy my ticket as soon as I hang up." I loved my mother but, damn, she scared me!

One hour later, I was on a 747 headed towards Los Angeles.

It had been one year since I last saw the sunrise over sunset. Watching it, I couldn't help but feel like it had lost it's appeal. I no longer found the City of Angels entrancing as I once had. For me, returning felt like a punishment. Would I feel alone, I wondered to myself. Would I recognize anyone? Would anyone even want to talk to me? I am sure that leaving, without saying goodbye, had pissed off everyone but I was in a horrible place when I left. It took most of the past year just to recover. Now I finally felt okay about everything that had happened and I was returning to the place that it all occurred. I had to say, I was scared shitless.

I called a limousine from the airport to take me to the Palmwoods. Thank God my mother saved all those checks from Rocque Records. I don't even feel the need to discuss the ride to the apartment, because it was all a blur. I was so nervous, that I didn't realize I had been at the Palmwoods for five whole minutes. The chauffeur, looking very annoyed, was waiting with the door open. I climbed out and apologized. He rolled his eyes and grabbed my luggage. I saw people stare at me as I made my way to the elevator, and I nodded politely, but didn't talk to anyone. I held my breath as I felt the elevator lurch upwards, and then stop suddenly. The doors opened, and I was in the hallway right outside the door.

I, slowly, made my way down the hall towards 2J. I reached out and knocked three times on the door. I held my breath. Moments later, the door flew open and I was being attacked! My mother, and sister, were hugging and kissing me and were literally dragging me into the apartment. I tipped the driver, and thanked him for carrying my bags. Mom, and Katie, grabbed each of my hands and dragged me to the couch and sat me down. Katie wrapped arms around me and laid against my arm, Mom held onto my hand.

"I've missed you," Katie cried, "I am so happy you came back."

"I missed you too," I smiled, I could feel myself getting emotion. I honestly did miss her.

"Your room is just as you left it," Mother told me. I know she meant it as a comfort, but it had the opposite effect. The same as it was meant James was still there, and I was not sure how to face him.

"Is," I started, but my mother knew what I was going to say.

"Yes, she admitted, "James and his mother live here now, and James is still in your room. Logan has been sleeping in there, and we gave Brooke his room. Of course, neither of them know you are back."

"What," I exploded and jumped off the couch, "How could you not tell them? They're going to flip out! Mom, this is insane. I have to get out of here."

"It's going to be fine," My mother tried to calm me, but I was really freaking out! I knew that James and Logan would not be happy to see me after a whole year! My family was silent as I ran for the door, but before I could open it, someone else did. I held my breath as Logan and James both stepped inside the apartment. Logan's eyes were wide in shock, and James looked confused. I was going to say hello, but James spoke first. I don't think I would ever have been ready for what he said to me.

"Hi," he smiled, "I'm James, and you are?"